Summer Spotlight STL Artist Series returns this summer, June 13 through August 17! This year’s exciting and expanded schedule shines the spotlight on marvelously gifted St. Louis-based musicians as they come together for a St. Louis summer brimming with unique collaborations and memorable celebrations at absolutely no cost to you, thanks to the generous underwriting of long-time friends of Jazz St. Louis and the arts community, Steward Family Foundation & World Wide Technology.
Summer Spotlight STL Artist Series will light up the stage multiple nights this summer, as both patrons and musicians experience one of the world’s top listening rooms together right here at home in Grand Center Arts District. Tickets are free, but your registration is required while supplies last – so act fast!
June 13
Jeffrey Anderson
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Jeffrey Anderson is bringing a promising group of talented individuals to Summer Spotlight STL Artist Series for an evening of swinging, hard-bop tunes. With over four decades of experience in performance, composition, and music education, the accomplished saxophonist will be accompanied by Reggie Thomas on piano, Eric Slaughter on guitar, Bob DeBoo on bass, Marty Morrison on drums, and special guest vocalist Kim Fuller!
June 14–15
Mardra Thomas
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
St. Louis born jazz vocalist Mardra Thomas returns for an exciting series of performances that will feature selections from her Matters Of The Heart album, as well as new, unrecorded material. Joining her for these performances will be pianist and arranger Reggie Thomas, bassist Dennis Carroll, and drummer George Fludas. This performance will include a broad spectrum of the moods and music that Thomas is fond of.
June 27
Daniel Herrera Trio
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
One of the most promising young pianists in St. Louis, Daniel Herrera has quickly turned heads with his incredible playing. After coming through Jazz St. Louis’ JazzU program, many have seen Herrera around town as a member of Kendrick Smith’s quartet. Don’t miss it!
June 28–29
Arcadia Dance Orchestra
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
The Arcadia Dance Orchestra is a vibrant 11-piece band from St. Louis, founded in 2017 under the leadership of England-born trumpeter T.J. Muller. Specializing in reviving the vibrant music scene of St. Louis during the Roaring Twenties, The Arcadia Dance Orchestra serves as a platform for St. Louis musicians to authentically perform St. Louis Jazz from the 1920s, celebrating the enduring legacies of the city’s pioneering jazz artists. This will be the groups first time collaborating with us!
July 11
Ethan Saake Sextet
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Ethan Saake is a former dedicated student of our JazzU program! Saake is poised to make his inaugural debut as a bandleader, marking a triumphant return as he’s accompanied by a remarkable ensemble of close friends, including Nick Alcorn and Mike Neu on saxophone, Nick Ayala on guitar, Mike Owens on bass, and Natahn Rauscher on drums.
July 12–13
Christian McGhee Xtet
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Award-winning film composer and multi-instrumentalist Christian McGhee returns for his Midwest album release party. The album, described as “cinematic jazz,” incorporates strings and vocals and features all original music. McGhee will be joined on stage by Georgia Heers on vocals, Jahari Stampley on piano, Santosh Sharma on tenor saxophone, Brad Kang on guitar, and Nathan Pence on bass.
July 18–20
Jazz St. Louis Big Band directed by Victor Goines
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Jazz St. Louis Big Band returns to swing the night away for these special engagements! These performances promise special musical experience featuring arrangements by Victor Goines, created specifically for the Jazz St. Louis Big Band. Come be a part of these unforgettable celebrations!
July 25
Miles Cole Quartet
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Miles Cole is a promising trombonist set to grace the Ferring Jazz Bistro stage for this special one-night-only performance! Cole is currently a member of the JazzU All-Stars and has recently performed with this group for New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on the WWOZ stage. Register for your tickets while they last and support jazz education and the advancement of this uniquely American art form!
July 26–27
Neal Caine Quartet
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Neal ‘Sugar’ Caine, a prominent jazz bassist and composer in New York City for the last two decades, is returning to his roots with a series of performances in his hometown of St. Louis. These shows serve as a homecoming celebration for the release of his latest album, Skip To My Lou. Audiences can expect a modern sound that also reflects the blues-infused essence of St. Louis.
August 1
Harvey Lockhart Sextet
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Grammy-nominated music educator, saxophonist, and composer Harvey Lockhart will bring us an inspiring series of performances that capture his dedication to teaching, performing, and mentoring. Throughout his illustrious career, Lockhart has had the privilege of collaborating and sharing the stage with an array of esteemed artists, including Melton Mustafa, Wycliffe Gordon, Darryl Reeves, Russell Gunn, Lewis Nash, Curtis Fuller, Reggie Thomas, and Marilyn Maye, among others.
August 2–3
Dawn Weber & Swunk
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Don’t miss the debut of Dawn Weber’s innovative project, Dawn Weber & Swunk! This fresh endeavor unites the talents of trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and songwriter Dawn Weber with some of St. Louis’ finest jazz musicians. Swunk will leave audiences with an uplifted spirit with their unique fusion of swing, blues, hip-hop, soul, and funk!
August 8
Dustin Shrum Quintet
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Dustin Shrum is an in-demand trumpet player and music educator in the St. Louis area. Dustin performs regularly with the Jazz St. Louis Big Band and has performed with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Dave Weckl, Joey DeFrancesco, Byron Stripling, Marilyn Maye, and The Temptations!
August 9–10
Weather Forever
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Step into the wonderful worlds of Weather Report and Return to Forever with this sensational tribute to these iconic fusion groups! Immerse yourself in dynamic compositions, virtuosic performances, and unique renditions as educator and saxophonist Jason Swagler leads a spirited ensemble of St. Louis talent for this celebration of electrifying fusion.
August 15
Blake Mickens Quintet
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Blake Mickens is a seasoned bassist and music instructor with nearly ten years of professional experience. Mickens will be joined alongside CJ Schrieber on drums, Antonio Foster on piano, Josiah Burton on trumpet, and Ian Buschmann on saxophone. Experience this talented ensemble as they light up the stage for Summer Spotlight STL Artist Series!
August 16–17
Miles Runs the Voodoo Down
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Renowned St. Louis-based pianist Adam Maness leads a talented ensemble of St. Louis musicians to bring us a unique musical experience for this two-night finale of the Summer Spotlight STL Artist Series! Register for your tickets while they last.
There’s More to Experience in Grand Center!
Jam Session
Every Fourth Tuesday
From 5:30–8 pm at Nancy’s Jazz Lounge in the Steward Center, home of Jazz St. Louis
Hosted by Bernard Terry, these inclusive open jams are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month and deliver a unique blend of spontaneous musical creativity along with the timeless charm of jazz. The restaurant will be offering a limited menu with full bar service for the evening.
Wednesday Night Jazz Jam
Presented by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation
Every Wednesday
From 6–9 pm at The Dark Room at The Grandel (3610 Grandel Square)
Hosted by bassist Bob DeBoo, this open jam celebrates St. Louis’ jazz legacy and future at this free and family-friendly weekly gathering. Wednesday Night Jazz Jam brings jazz within reach for people of all ages and backgrounds.
First Fridays in Grand Center
Presented by Grand Center Inc.
Make a night of it!
On the first Friday of every month, museums and galleries in Grand Center Arts District are free and open until 9 pm. Discover the remarkable array of visual arts in St. Louis’ premier neighborhood for arts and culture while enjoying cocktails, conversation, and entertainment. Stick around for after-party events, dinner, or a show!
View the latest in participating locations on Grand Center Inc.’s website.
Museums and Galleries
Plus, check out offerings from the Contemporary Art Museum, The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries, and Pulitzer Arts Foundation!